Four Corners Kamini, Hydra Island Greece
The Crossroads
Four Corners, literally means just that, it is a junction of four roads on the top of the saddle of the western arm of the amphitheatre hillside that divides Hydra from Kamini. And the Four Corners Supermarket takes its name as the most recognisable feature of the crossroads. The shop has itself become a bit of a landmark for locals giving directions. Being told to, "leave town from behind the Pirate, go up 'Donkey Shit Lane, passing the 'Bougainvillea', then turn right at the 'Carpenters' and straight over at Four Corners", sounds to the uninitiated as dubious directions at best! But once you know Hydra, it makes perfect sense.
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Donkey Shit Lane, actually refers to the main arterial road more correctly named Lignou Street. Decades ago, prior to the island's law that insists that muleteers 'poop scoop' after their mules, this heavily used road of steps would be covered in manure to the point where the steps almost disappeared. An International visitor or resident nicknamed the road and it stuck! The local Hydriots also refer to it with this 'rude' name even though you will never see any poop these days. The 'Bougainvillea' is a massive climbing tree growing out of the terrace about half way up Lignou Street. Many people sit and take a much needed breather on this terrace. And the 'Carpenters' aren't there anymore but old habits die hard on Hydra. What people really mean is turn right onto Krieze Street and continue up to the Four Corners Supermarket which even more confusingly has a sign saying Quatre Coins!
Four Corners is a good compromise between being right in the fun and bustle of Hydra Harbour but far enough away for it not to be noisy at night time. Even though the steps up Lignou Street are a bit daunting at first for people who are used to driving everywhere, it's really only a medium walking-distance. By the end of the first week of your visit, you'll be gloating at how toned your legs have become. The properties are much more spaced out with larger gardens and wider lanes.
Images
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